How to Read the Date Code on a Trailer Tire

Updated 08/20/2020 | Published 05/23/2015

Question:

I was told, the newer the tire, the better, to delay/prevent dry rot. I was also told the DOT number/letters reveal that information, but I dont know how to read the letters on my tires. I am about to replace my tires due to sidewall cracking. Could you tell me the DOT information on the AM10501 that you sell, perhaps the oldest manufacturing date I should expect to receive when I purchase them from you? Thank you.

asked by: W. M

Expert Reply:

First, the DOT date code on a tire is 4 numbers. The first 2 are the week and the last 2 are the year. So for example if it was 2314 that means that tire was made in the 23rd week of 2014.

There isn't a difference between a tire sitting on the shelf that is 1 year old and the one next to it that is 1-1/2 or 2 years old. Now if one tire is a year old and the other was 6 years old then yes, the older one would have to go.

On popular sizes like ST235/85R16 # AM10501 they come in and go out frequently. Our resident tire expert said that popular sizes in our warehouse and usually at most 1 year old.

I can't tell you the date codes on the tires just because that could change in a day or in a matter of hours when someone else buys some. Then the information I had given you would be inaccurate.

expert reply by: Michael H